in-store and consumer careLIGHT Moderate, diffused light is best for Curcuma plants. Don’t display them in direct sunlight.WATER Chlorinated water can be harmful; consider using rainwater. Keep these plants evenly moist (not soggy). Severe drying will cause the leaves to yellow and drop and will delay flower production.TEMPERATURECurcumas are sensitive to low temperatures and extreme heat. Avoid locations with drafts, and keep the plants away from heat ducts and heat-producing appliances like TV sets. Holding the plants for any length of time at temperatures below 50 F can cause purpling, browning and rot.HUMIDITYCurcumas require high levels of humidity. Place the plants on pebble trays to increase humidity.FERTILIZER Feed Curcumas with a diluted solution of a complete houseplant fertilizer or orchid bloom fertilizer every two to three weeks, or more often if necessary.SOIL Use a well-drained organic soil mix.REBLOOMINGCurcumas go dormant for the winter. Do not water the plants while they are in the dormant stage.

challengeETHYLENE SENSITIVITYCurcumas are sensitive to ethylene gas, so keep them away from fruits and vegetables. Be sure your plants have been treated with an anti-ethylene agent at the grower level or during transportation.
Some information provided by:
Aloha Tropicals, www.alohatropicals.com/curcuma.html
Chain of Life Network®, www.chainoflifenetwork.org
Roy Borodkin, Brannan Street Wholesale Florist; San Francisco, Calif.